TOASTED MILLET SALAD WITH CUCUMBER, AVOCADO AND LEMON

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Toasted Millet Salad With Cucumber, Avocado and Lemon image

Cooked millet has a taste and aroma that's subtly reminiscent of raw hazelnuts, and as with hazelnuts, toasting millet first really deepens its flavor. If you want to work ahead, toast and cook the millet, set aside and toss in the other ingredients when ready. Sharp mint leaves, creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers and bright lemon really round out this dish, which makes a lovely side dish, an afternoon snack or the base of a protein-focused grain bowl. Millet is marvelous, but a wide variety of grains will work just as well.

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Categories     dinner, weekday, grains and rice, salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup millet or other grains, such as barley, farro, brown rice or kasha
Kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest plus 1/4 cup juice
1 tablespoon honey
Black pepper
1 pound English or Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise into 1/2-inch spears, then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
1 packed cup mint leaves
1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
1 avocado, pitted and sliced into quarters

Steps:

  • To a small pot set over medium heat, add the millet and toast, swirling the pan constantly until the grains begin to crackle, become fragrant and deepen in color to a deep tan, about 10 minutes.
  • Turn heat to low and carefully add 1 1/4 cups water, season with salt, bring to a simmer and cook, partly covered, until the millet is softened, about 15 minutes. Remove the millet from the heat, and stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil and let sit covered for at least 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, and allow to cool to room temperature. You can do this step ahead and store the cooked millet in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (If using other grains, toast first, then cook according to package directions.)
  • While the millet cooks, make the vinaigrette: Combine the lemon zest, juice and honey in a small bowl and whisk to incorporate. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and whisk until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Toss the cooled millet with cucumbers, mint, almonds (if using) and half of the lemon vinaigrette; divide among bowls. Top each bowl with an avocado quarter and dress with spoonfuls of vinaigrette.

zezo ahmed
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This salad is a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your diet. The avocado and lemon are both great sources of vitamins and minerals.


Aminata Waggeh
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. It's also a good source of protein and fiber.


Turyahebwa Eliablee
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover quinoa. I had some leftover from dinner and this was the perfect way to use it up.


Louiz Morrison
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This salad is a great way to get your kids excited about healthy eating. The bright colors and fun textures will make them want to try it.


Precious Onos
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This salad is a great way to use up summer produce. The cucumber, avocado, and lemon are all in season right now.


kali ride
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This salad is a great option for a light lunch or dinner. It's also a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.


Katherine Price
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This salad is a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your diet. The avocado and lemon are both great sources of vitamins and minerals.


Md Sobuj Sorkar
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I love the crunch of the toasted millet in this salad. It adds a nice texture.


Sha Alam
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This salad is so easy to make, and it's a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.


Md papirul Islam
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I added some grilled chicken to this salad and it was delicious! It made a great lunch.


Hafez Abusaleh Raiyan
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover millet. I had some leftover from breakfast and this was the perfect way to use it up.


HRWK44 SHAIKH
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I'm not a huge fan of millet, but I really enjoyed this salad. The other ingredients really balanced out the flavor of the millet.


Zubairkhansaraaf Zubairkhansaraaf
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. It's also a good source of protein and fiber.


Ateeq Pasha Shariff
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I made this salad for a potluck and it was a hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor combination.


Firaol Gatnet
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This salad is a great summer dish. It's light and healthy, and the flavors are perfect for a hot day.


Larry Mudd
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I'm always looking for new ways to use millet, and this salad was a great way to do that. It was easy to make and very flavorful.


Joe Summers
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This salad was refreshing and delicious! The toasted millet added a nice nutty flavor, and the cucumber, avocado, and lemon really brightened it up. I will definitely be making this again.